Torque shoulder for tubular goods connection

ABSTRACT

A tubular connection includes either or both of a pin or a box. The pin includes an external male threaded zone having external male threads disposed on a portion of the pin, and the box includes an internal female threaded zone having internal female threads disposed on a portion of the first box. The internal female threads are configured to engage with the external male threads of the first pin. At least one of the pin or the box includes a torque shoulder surface that includes a surface roughness that is greater than or equal to 100 microns. In some instances, the torque shoulder surface can include a knurled surface profile that is continuous along the torque shoulder surface. In certain instances, a second mating torque shoulder surface has a surface roughness greater than or equal to 100 microns.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a tubular good connection between tubulargood joints, in particular, threaded tubular connections for tubulargoods used in a wellbore.

BACKGROUND

Threaded tubular goods connections are used to couple joints of tubingtogether for use in a wellbore. A tubular goods connection couples afirst tubular member with a box having an internal thread therein and asecond tubular member with a pin having an external thread thereon.

Alternatively, a tubular goods connection couples a first tubular memberhaving a threaded pin with a second tubular member with a pin having anexternal thread there using a coupling box connector having two boxeswith mating internal threads disposed thereon.

A tubular goods connection can include a positive stop torque shoulderthat acts as a load-bearing surface at the tubular goods connection.

SUMMARY

This disclosure describes roughened torque shoulders in threaded tubulargood connections for tubular goods used in wellbores.

Certain aspects of the disclosure include a tubular connection includinga first pin with an external male threaded zone having external malethreads disposed on a portion of the pin, and a first box with aninternal female threaded zone having internal female threads disposed ona portion of the first box. The internal female threads are to engagewith the external male threads of the first pin, where at least one ofthe first pin or the first box includes a first torque shoulder surfacehaving a surface roughness greater than or equal to 100 microns. Thesurface roughness may relate to the arithmetic average roughness (Ra).The term “micron” is used, but it is also referred to as micrometer(μm).

This, and other aspects, can include one or more of the followingfeatures. The surface roughness of the first torque shoulder surface canbe between 100 microns and 500 microns. The first torque shouldersurface can include a knurled surface profile. The knurled surfaceprofile can be continuous along the first torque shoulder surface. Thefirst torque shoulder surface can include a laser cut, stamped,machined, or blasted surface profile. One of the first pin or the firstbox can include the first torque shoulder surface, and the other of thefirst pin or the first box can include a second torque shoulder surface,the second torque shoulder surface to engage the first torque shouldersurface. The second torque shoulder surface can include a surfaceroughness greater than or equal to 100 microns (e.g. between 100 micronsand 500 microns). The second torque shoulder surface can include aknurled surface profile. The knurled surface profile can be continuousalong the second torque shoulder surface. The second torque shouldersurface can include a laser cut, stamped, machined, or blasted surfaceprofile. The first torque shoulder surface and the second torqueshoulder surface can be at a respective one of a first longitudinal endof the first pin or a second longitudinal end of the first box. Thefirst longitudinal end of the first pin can be a distal longitudinal endof the first pin, and the second longitudinal end of the first box canbe a proximal longitudinal end of the first box. The first pin caninclude a third torque shoulder surface proximate to a thirdlongitudinal end of the first pin opposite the first longitudinal end,the first box can include a fourth torque shoulder surface proximate toa fourth longitudinal end of the first box opposite the secondlongitudinal end, and at least one of the third torque shoulder surfaceor the fourth torque shoulder surface can include a surface roughnessgreater than or equal to 100 microns (e.g. between 100 microns and 500microns), the fourth torque shoulder surface to engage the third torqueshoulder surface. The at least one of the third torque shoulder surfaceor the fourth torque shoulder surface can include a knurled surfaceprofile. The knurled surface profile can be continuous along the atleast one of the third torque shoulder surface or the fourth torqueshoulder surface. The tubular connection can further include a secondpin with a second external male threaded zone having second externalmale threads disposed on a portion of the second pin, and a coupling boxconnector comprising the first box and a second box, the second boxhaving an internal female threaded zone having internal female threadsdisposed on a portion of the second box, the internal female threads toengage with the external male threads of the second pin, where the firstpin has the first torque shoulder surface, and the second pin has asecond torque shoulder surface, and where the second torque shouldersurface is to engage the first torque shoulder surface of the first pin.The first torque shoulder surface can include a knurled surface profile.The knurled surface profile can be continuous along the first torqueshoulder surface. The first torque shoulder surface can include a lasercut, stamped, machined, or blasted surface profile. The second torqueshoulder surface can comprises a surface roughness greater than or equalto 100 microns, e.g. between 100 microns and 500 microns. The secondtorque shoulder surface can include a knurled surface profile. Theknurled surface profile can be continuous along the second torqueshoulder surface. The second torque shoulder surface can include a lasercut, stamped, machined, or blasted surface profile.

Certain aspects of the disclosure encompass a method for forming atubular connection. The method includes providing a first pin with anexternal male threaded zone having external male threads disposed on aportion of the first pin, and providing a first box with an internalfemale threaded zone having internal female threads disposed on aportion of the first box, the internal female threads configured toengage with the external male threads of the first pin. One of the firstpin or the first box has a first torque shoulder surface, and the otherof the first pin or the first box has a second torque shoulder surface.The method also includes engaging, with the first torque shouldersurface, the second torque shoulder surface to form a tubularconnection, at least one of the first torque shoulder surface or thesecond torque shoulder surface including a surface roughness greaterthan or equal to 100 microns (e.g. between 100 microns and 500 microns).

Some aspects of the disclosure encompass a method for forming a tubularconnection. The method includes providing a first pin with an externalmale threaded zone having external male threads disposed on a portion ofthe first pin, the first pin having a first torque shoulder surfacepositioned proximate to a first longitudinal end of the first pin, andproviding a second pin with an external male threaded zone havingexternal male threads disposed on a portion of the second pin, thesecond pin having a second torque shoulder surface positioned proximateto a second longitudinal end of the second pin. At least one of thefirst torque shoulder surface or the second torque shoulder surface hasa surface roughness greater than or equal to 100 microns (e.g. between100 microns and 500 microns). The method also includes providing acoupling box connector having a first box with an internal femalethreaded zone having internal female threads disposed on a portion ofthe first box, the internal female threads to engage with the externalmale threads of the first pin, and having a second box with an internalfemale threaded zone having internal female threads disposed on aportion of the second box, the internal female threads to engage withthe external male threads of the second pin. The method further includesengaging the external male threads of the first pin with the internalfemale threads of the first box, engaging the external male threads ofthe second pin with the internal female threads of the second box, andengaging the first torque shoulder surface with the second torqueshoulder surface.

Certain aspects of the disclosure encompass a method for forming a pinor a box for a tubular connection. The method includes providing a pinor box having a first torque shoulder surface, and modifying the firsttorque shoulder surface to have a surface roughness greater than orequal to 100 microns (e.g. between 100 microns and 500 microns).

This, and other aspects, can include one or more of the followingfeatures. Modifying the first torque shoulder surface can include atleast one of knurling, laser cutting, stamping, machining, or blastingthe first shoulder surface to the surface roughness of greater than orequal to 100 microns (e.g. between 100 microns and 500 microns).

Certain aspects of the disclosure encompass a tubular connectionincluding a first tubular good joint. The first tubular good jointincludes an integral threaded end including a threaded zone havingthreads disposed on a portion of the integral threaded end, and a firsttorque shoulder surface, where the first torque shoulder surfaceincludes a surface roughness greater than or equal to 100 microns (e.g.between 100 microns and 500 microns).

This, and other aspects, can include one or more of the followingfeatures. The integral threaded end can be an integral box, the threadedzone can be an internal female threaded zone, and the threads can befemale internal threads. The integral threaded end can be an integralpin, the threaded zone can be an external male threaded zone, and thethreads can be male external threads. The tubular connection can furtherinclude a second tubular good joint including an integral box, where theintegral box can include an internal female threaded zone havinginternal female threads disposed on a portion of the integral box, theinternal female threads to engage with the external male threads, and asecond torque shoulder surface, the second torque shoulder surface toengage the first torque shoulder surface of the first tubular goodjoint. The second torque shoulder surface can include a surfaceroughness greater than or equal to 100 microns (e.g. between 100 micronsand 500 microns). The second torque shoulder surface can include aknurled surface profile. The knurled surface profile can be continuousalong the second torque shoulder surface. The second torque shouldersurface can include a laser cut, stamped, machined, or blasted surfaceprofile. The first torque shoulder surface can include a knurled surfaceprofile. The knurled surface profile can be continuous along the firsttorque shoulder surface. The first torque shoulder surface can include alaser cut, stamped, machined, or blasted surface profile.

Some aspects of the disclosure encompass a tubular joint including a pinwith an external male threaded zone having external male threadsdisposed on a portion of the pin, the pin having a torque shouldersurface having a surface roughness greater than or equal to 100 microns(e.g. between 100 microns and 500 microns).

Some aspects of the disclosure encompass a tubular joint including a boxwith an internal female threaded zone having internal female threadsdisposed on a portion of the box, the box having a torque shouldersurface comprising a surface roughness greater than or equal to 100microns (e.g. between 100 microns and 500 microns).

Some aspects of the disclosure encompass a coupling box connectorincluding a box with an internal female threaded zone having internalfemale threads disposed on a portion of the box, the box including atorque shoulder surface having a surface roughness greater than or equalto 100 microns (e.g. between 100 microns and 500 microns).

Some aspects of the disclosure encompass a torque shoulder surface for apin or a box of a tubular connection, the torque shoulder surface havinga surface roughness greater than or equal to 100 microns (e.g. between100 microns and 500 microns).

The details of one or more implementations of the subject matterdescribed in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawingsand the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages ofthe subject matter will become apparent from the description, thedrawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a first exampletubular goods connection.

FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a box of the tubulargoods connection of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a pin of the tubulargoods connection of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 3A and 3B are partial schematic cross-sectional side views of theexample tubular goods connections of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 4A and 4B are partial schematic cross-sectional side views ofexample tubular goods connections.

FIG. 5 is a partial top perspective view of the box of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 6 is a graph showing a torque curve over rotations (or turns, n)for a conventional tubular goods connection versus a tubular goodsconnection with a roughened torque shoulder.

FIG. 7A is a flowchart describing an example method for forming athreaded tubular connection.

FIG. 7B is a flowchart describing an example method for forming athreaded tubular connection.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart describing an example method for forming a tubingjoint.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a second exampletubular goods connection.

FIG. 10A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a box of thetubular goods connection of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 10B is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a pin of thetubular goods connection of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 11 is a partial top perspective view of the box of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 12A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a third exampletubular goods connection.

FIG. 12B is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional side view of theexample tubular goods connection of FIG. 12A.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terms are used herein as they would be conventionally understoodin the tubular goods industry, particularly where threaded tubular goodsare connected in a longitudinal (e.g., vertical) position along theirrespective central axis such as when making up a tubular goods stringfor lowering into a wellbore. Typically, in a male-female threadedtubular goods connection, the male component of the connection isreferred to as a “pin” member at a pin and the female component iscalled a “box” member. In certain implementations, a first pin and asecond pin can be connected with a coupling box connector. A couplingbox connector is a tubular element having a box at each end thereof.

This disclosure describes tubular good connections between threadedtubular good joints, where one or both of pin and box of the tubulargood joints or the coupling box connector includes a torque shoulder(i.e., positive-stop torque shoulder) with a roughened shoulder surface.The shoulder surface of the torque shoulder is also referred to astorque shoulder surface. The torque shoulder surface is mechanicallyroughened, for example, via knurling or other mechanical manipulation,such that its surface roughness is increased. The roughened surface ofthe torque shoulder can increase torque at a tubular goods connection,which can provide improved securement and hold of the tubular goodconnection, and an increased break-out torque of the tubular goodconnection. The roughened shoulder surface in a tubular good connectioncan increase an operative torque of the connection due to the engagementof the roughened torque shoulder with a corresponding abutment surface.A tubular good connection is formed between a threaded tubular goodjoint and a corresponding tubular good joint or connector (e.g.,coupling box connector), where corresponding threading and correspondingtorque shoulders provide load bearing surfaces in the made-up tubulargood connection. For example, a tubular good joint includes threading(for example, radially external male threading, or radially internalfemale threading) and a torque shoulder with a roughened surface. Thetorque shoulder surface is roughened by knurling, laser cutting,stamping, machining, blasting, a combination of these, or other surfaceroughening technique, so that the surface roughness of the torqueshoulder is greater than or equal to 100 microns (e.g., between 100microns and 500 microns). The surface roughness relates to thearithmetic average roughness (Ra). The term “micron” is used, but it isalso referred to as micrometer (μm).

In some conventional threaded tubular good joints, torque shouldersurfaces of respective tubular good joints are typically smooth, forexample, with a surface roughness of less than 40 microns. Someconventional torque shoulder surfaces typically maintain a default,post-machined roughness when the respective tubular good joint ismanufactured and machined. This default roughness is less than 40microns, such as 10 to 40 microns. In this disclosure, at least onetorque shoulder of a tubular good connection includes a roughenedsurface with a surface roughness greater than 100 microns (for example,via knurling, laser cutting, stamping, machining, blasting, or othertechnique). In some implementations, the surface roughness is achievedby mechanical manipulation of the shoulder surface, as opposed to achemical treatment to a surface, to increase the surface roughness ofthe shoulder surface. The roughened surface can be easier to apply andbe applied in a shorter amount of time than alternatives using achemical or solvent. For example, the surface roughness of the presentdisclosure can be applied in a matter of seconds (e.g., 4 to 8 seconds),have a high accuracy of consistent and reliable roughness values, andcan have little to no impact on health and the environment. Thesecharacteristics are advantageous over chemically-applied rougheningtechniques, for example, which can be difficult to apply, are lessaccurate, and can have a harmful impact on health and environment(depending on solvent and solid particles used) as compared to thepresent disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , an example tubular goods connection 100 isshown in a partial cross-sectional perspective view. The example tubulargoods connection 100 includes a first (lower) tubular member 400 with apin 402 at an end, a coupling box connector 300 with a first box 301 ata first end and a second box 302 at a second end, and a second (upper)tubular member 200 with a pin 202. FIG. 1 shows the example tubulargoods connection 100 as a buttress thread connection; however, the typeof tubular connection can be different, as described in more detaillater.

The first box 301 of the coupling box connector 300 is configured toengage with and seal to the pin 402 of the first tubular member 400, andthe second box 302 of the coupling box connector 300 is configured toengage with and seal to the pin 202 of the second tubular member 200 toform the connection 100. In the example connection 100 of FIG. 1 , thecoupling box connector 300, the first tubular member 400, and the secondtubular member 200 form a portion of a casing configured forimplementation in a wellbore. However, the coupling box connector 300,the first tubular member 400 and second tubular member 200 can form aportion of another type of tubing. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional sideview of the box 302 at one end of the coupling box connector of FIG. 1shown separately. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional side view of the pin 202at the end of the second tubular member 200 of FIG. 1 shown separately.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the coupling box connector 300 includes aninternal thread 304 disposed along a portion of (e.g., an internalthreaded zone of) the box 302, and includes a first torque shoulder 306proximate to a proximal longitudinal end of the box 302. With respect tocentral axis A-A of FIG. 2A, the box 302 includes a distal longitudinalend at a (vertically) upper end of the box 302, and includes theproximal longitudinal end at a (vertically) lower end of the box 302opposite the distal end. The first torque shoulder 306 includes ashoulder surface 315, or load bearing surface, that can engage (e.g.,contact) a corresponding load bearing surface of the second tubularmember 200 when the coupling box connector 300 and the second tubularmember 200 are made-up to form the example connection 100. The shouldersurface 315 of the first torque shoulder 306 is also referred to as thefirst torque shoulder surface. The first torque shoulder 306 forms aring shape around the inner cylindrical diameter of the box 302. Thering shape of the first torque shoulder 306 can be continuous around anentire circumference of the ring shape. However, in some instances, thering shape can be non-continuous, or segmented. In some instances, thetorque shoulder 306 can have a flat surface profile, a tapered conicalsurface profile, or a combination of both, with respect to a radial ofthe coupling box connector 300.

As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the second tubular member 200 includes anexternal thread 204 disposed along a portion of (e.g., an externalthreaded zone of) the pin 202, and a second torque shoulder 206proximate to a distal longitudinal end of the pin 202. With respect tocentral axis A-A of FIG. 2B, the pin 202 includes the distallongitudinal end at a (vertically) lower end of the pin 202, andincludes a proximal longitudinal end at an upper end of the pin 202opposite the distal end. The second torque shoulder 206 includes ashoulder surface 215, or load bearing surface, that can engage (e.g.,contact) the shoulder surface 315 of the first torque shoulder 306 ofthe coupling box connector 300 when the pin 202 and box 302 are fullyengaged. The shoulder surface 215 of the second torque shoulder 206 isalso referred to as the second torque shoulder surface. The secondtorque shoulder 206 forms a ring shape around the cylindrical diameterof the pin 202 at the distal end of the second tubular member 200. Thering shape of the second torque shoulder 206 can be continuous around anentire circumference of the ring shape. However, in some instances, thering shape can be non-continuous, or segmented. In some instances, thetorque shoulder 206 can have a flat surface profile, a tapered conicalsurface profile, or a combination of both, with respect to a radial ofthe coupling box connector 300.

As mentioned earlier, the torque shoulder 206, torque shoulder 306, orother torque shoulder of the connection 100 can have a varying profileshape. FIGS. 1-2B show the torque shoulders 206 and 306 as having asubstantially flat surface profile that is (substantially or exactly)perpendicular to center longitudinal axis A-A. However, this surfaceprofile shape can vary. For example, the surface profile of any of thetorque shoulders of the connection 100 can include a slanted surfaceprofile (i.e., that is angularly offset from a perpendicular of thelongitudinal axis A-A), a jagged surface profile, a tapered surfaceprofile with a rounded or pointed longitudinal end, a conical surfaceprofile, a chamfered surface profile, a combination of these surfaceprofiles, or another surface profile shape. In some examples, the torqueshoulder surface can have a surface profile that is a combinationtapered profile.

The shoulder surface 315 of the first torque shoulder 306, the shouldersurface 215 of the second torque shoulder 206, or both the shouldersurfaces 315, 215 of the first torque shoulder 306 and the second torqueshoulder 206 can have a surface roughness greater than a minimumthreshold roughness, such as 100 microns. The surface roughness of oneor more of the shoulder surfaces increases a sliding frictional force ofsurfaces abutting the one or more shoulder surfaces. The surfaceroughness can be attained in a variety of ways, such as by knurling,laser cutting, stamping, machining, blasting, a combination of these, oranother surface roughening technique (mechanical or other), so that thesurface roughness of the respective shoulder surface is greater than orequal to 100 microns, such as between 100 microns and 500 microns. Forexample, FIG. 5 is a partial top perspective view of the examplecoupling box connector 300 with the box 302 showing the shoulder surface315 of the first torque shoulder 306. As shown in FIG. 5 , the shouldersurface of the first torque shoulder 306 includes knurling 308 in theform of slanted lines arranged continuously along an entirety of theshoulder surface. The example knurling 308 of FIG. 5 provides a surfaceroughness of the shoulder surface that is at least 100 microns, forexample, between 100 microns and 500 microns. While FIG. 5 shows theknurling as including a slanted-line pattern that provides a sequence ofpeaks and valleys that create the surface roughness, the knurling cantake a variety of other forms. For example, the knurling can include astraight pattern, angular pattern, diamond pattern, bubble pattern, orother knurling pattern types with a varying pitch and/or coarseness.Furthermore, while FIG. 5 shows the roughening, in particular theknurling, according to the invention on the shoulder surface of thetorque shoulder 306 of the box 302, additionally or alternatively, theroughening, in particular the knurling, with the same or a differentpattern, may be provided on the shoulder surface of the second torqueshoulder 206 of the pin 202

To form the example connection 100, the integral pin 202 of the secondtubular member 200 is inserted into the box 302 of the coupling boxconnector 300 to engage the corresponding threading and thecorresponding torque shoulders. When the integral pin 202 of the secondtubular member 200 is inserted into the box 302 of the coupling boxconnector 300 and the second tubular member 200 is rotated, the externalthread 204 and the internal thread 304 threadingly engage (e.g.,corresponds to and mate) to form the tubular goods connection 100. Asthe integral pin 202 is rotated relative to the box 302 toward a maximumrotation for complete engagement, the respective torque shouldersurfaces approach and abut each other. Upon a complete rotationalinstallment of the pin 202 with the box 302, the shoulder surface 315 ofthe first torque shoulder 306 engages with (e.g., contacts, or abuts)the shoulder surface 215 of the second torque shoulder 206. FIG. 3A is apartial schematic cross-sectional side view of the example tubularconnection 100 of FIGS. 1-2B. FIG. 3B shows in detail the coupling ofthe integral pin 202 of the second tubular member 200 and the box 302 ofthe coupling box connector 300. This coupling of the coupling boxconnector 300 and the second tubular member 200 is referred to in theart as making-up the tubular goods connection 100. When the tubulargoods connection 100 is made-up, the internal thread 304 engages theexternal thread 204 via an interference fit of mating threads, and thefirst torque shoulder 306 engages (i.e., contacts) the second torqueshoulder 206 via an interference fit of the contacting shoulder surfaces315, 215. In some implementations, the internal thread 304 sealinglyengages the external thread 204, for example, along all or a portion ofthe internal and/or external threaded zones. Alternatively oradditionally, sealing of the connection is provided by an elastomericseal or a so-called metal-to-metal seal. Examples of connections with ametal-to-metal seal in combination with torque shoulder surfaces areillustrated in U.S. Patent Publication No. US2004/0108719 to Carcagno etal., incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As used herein, “make-up” or in the past tense “being made up” refers tothe procedure of inserting into and engaging the pin 202 of the secondtubular member 200 with the box 302 of the first tubular member 300, andscrewing the members together through torque and rotation to obtain a“made-up connection” where the respective threadings engage each otherand the respective torque shoulders engage each other. In someimplementations, the surface roughness of one or more shoulder surfacesof the torque shoulders provides an increased resistance to jump-out, orbreak-out, during use (i.e., increases break-out torque to disconnectthe example connection). The use of the threaded connection incombination with the roughened torque shoulders can be used inapplications (such as downhole wellbore operations) where additionaltorque is required, such as in horizontal wells, deviated wells, orother wellbore locations. In certain implementations, the additionaltorque gained from the roughened torque shoulders allows for less torqueto be required by the respective mating threads of the connection. Forexample, the roughened torque shoulders can be implemented inthin-walled pipes where the radial dimension of the abutment surface isshorter than in thick-walled pipes. In other words, utilizing roughenedtorque shoulders provides an amount of torque to the tubular goodsconnection that allows for the use of a casing or tubing with thinnerwalls with shorter threaded zones, since the roughened torque shouldersand the shorter threaded zones still provides sufficient minimum torque(i.e., minimum operative torque) to the tubular goods connection.

FIGS. 1-3B show the torque shoulders 206 and 306 as having asubstantially flat surface profile that is (substantially or exactly)perpendicular to center longitudinal axis A-A. However, this surfaceprofile shape can vary. For example, the surface profile of any of thetorque shoulders of the connection 100 can include a slanted surfaceprofile (i.e., that is angularly offset from a perpendicular of thelongitudinal axis A-A), a jagged surface profile, a tapered surfaceprofile with a rounded or pointed longitudinal end, a conical surfaceprofile, a chamfered surface profile, a combination of these surfaceprofiles, or another surface profile shape. A variant of the exampletubular connection 100 is illustrated in FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4A, a partialschematic cross-sectional side view of an example tubular connection100′ is shown that corresponds to the example tubular connection 100shown in FIG. 3B, except that the torque shoulders 206′ and 306′ of theconnection 100′ include a slanted surface profile that is angularlyoffset from a perpendicular of the longitudinal axis A-A. In someinstances, the coupling box connector 300, the second tubular joint 200,or both the coupling box connector 300 and the second tubular joint 200include a torque shoulder on both longitudinal ends of the respectivebox 302 or pin 202. For example, FIG. 4B is a partial schematiccross-sectional side view of an example tubular connection 100″. Theexample tubular connection 100″ of FIG. 4B is similar to the exampletubular connection 100′ of FIG. 4A, except the coupling box connector300″ includes two torque shoulders on opposite longitudinal ends of thebox 302″, and the second tubular good joint 200″ includes two torqueshoulders on opposite longitudinal ends of the pin 202″. In the exampleconnection 100″ of FIG. 4B, the coupling box connector 300″ includes thefirst torque shoulder 306′ on the proximal longitudinal end of the box302″, and further includes a third torque shoulder 310 at the distal endof the box 302′. The second tubular good joint 200″ includes the secondtorque shoulder 206′ on the distal longitudinal end of the pin 202″, andfurther includes a fourth torque shoulder 210 on the proximallongitudinal end of the pin 202″. The third torque shoulder 310 includesa shoulder surface 325, and the fourth torque shoulder 210 includes ashoulder surface 225. The shoulder surface 325 of the third torqueshoulder 310 is also referred to as the third torque shoulder surface.The shoulder surface 225 of the fourth torque shoulder 210 is alsoreferred to as the fourth torque shoulder surface. The shoulder surface325 of the third torque shoulder 310 can engage (e.g., contact) theshoulder surface 225 of the fourth torque shoulder 210 when the pin 202″and box 302″ are fully engaged. One or more or all of the shouldersurfaces 315′, 215′, 325, 225 of the first torque shoulder 306′, secondtorque shoulder 206′, third torque shoulder 310, or fourth torqueshoulder 210 can have a surface roughness greater than the minimumthreshold roughness (e.g., 100 microns), as described earlier.

The third torque shoulder 310 forms a ring shape about the central axisA-A on the box 302″, and the ring shape of the third torque shoulder 310can be continuous around an entire circumference of the ring shape.However, in some instances, the ring shape can be non-continuous, orsegmented. Similarly, the fourth torque shoulder 210 forms a ring shapeabout the central axis A-A on the pin 202″, and the ring shape of thefourth torque shoulder 210 can be continuous around an entirecircumference of the ring shape. However, in some instances, the ringshape can be non-continuous, or segmented. As described earlier, thesurface profile of the torque shoulder 310 can vary. For example, thetorque shoulder 310 can have a flat surface profile, a tapered conicalsurface profile, or a combination of both, with respect to a radial ofthe coupling box connector 300″.

Although herein above, under reference to FIGS. 1, 2A to 3B, and 5 , thecoupling between one box 302 at one end of the coupling box connector300 and the pin 202 of the second tubular member 200 has been described,the same applies to the coupling between the other box 301 at the otherend of the coupling box connector 300 and the pin 402 of the firsttubular member 400. The same apples to connection 100′ of FIG. 4A andconnection 100″ of FIG. 4B.

The coupling box connector 300 includes a radially inward flange 307between the first box 301 and the second box 302 that can abut andengage shoulder surface 406 of the pin 402 of the first tubular member400 and shoulder surface 206 of the pin 202 of the second tubular member200.

Referring to the tubular goods connection 100 of FIGS. 1 to 3B and 5 (orconnection 100′ of FIG. 4A and connection 100″ of FIG. 4B), the firsttubular member 400 can be a first joint of casing 400 (or joint oftubing) having the pin 402 and the external male thread 404 disposedlongitudinally on a portion of the pin 402. The external thread 404 isconfigured to sealingly engage with the internal female thread 305 ofthe box 301 of the coupling box connector 300. The second tubular member200 can be a second joint of casing 200 (or joint of tubing) having thepin 202 with external male threading 204 disposed longitudinally on aportion of the pin 202. The external thread 204 is configured tosealingly engage with the internal female thread 304 of the box 302 ofthe coupling box connector 300. The second joint of casing 200 has aninternal diameter D1 of an inner surface of the second joint of casing200 that can be the same as an internal diameter of an inner surface ofthe first joint of casing 400. The tubular connection 100 can be made upto connect the first tubular good joint 400 and the second tubular goodjoint 200 to the coupling box connector 300.

Referring to the geometry of threads, the following is a briefdiscussion of standard industry terminology. For example, the term “loadflank” designates the sidewall surface of a thread that faces away fromthe outer end of the respective pin or coupling member on which thethread is formed and supports all or a portion of the weight (i.e.,tensile load) of the lower tubular member hanging in the wellbore.Similarly, the term “stab flank” designates the sidewall surface of thethread that faces toward the outer end of the respective pin or couplingmember and supports forces compressing the joints toward each other suchas the weight of the upper tubular member during the initial make-up ofthe joint.

Vanishing threads: The portion at the end of the threaded portion in athreaded connection, in which threads are not cut full depth, but whichprovides a transition between full formed threads and pipe body.Theoretically, the vanishing point is the point in which the taperedpitch diameter of the thread intersects the outside pipe diameter(“OD”).

Additionally, a thread “lead” refers to the differential distancebetween components of a thread on consecutive threads. As such, the“stab lead” is the distance between stab flanks of consecutive threadpitches along the axial length of the connection. A “load lead” is thedistance between load flanks of consecutive thread pitches along theaxial length of the connection.

FIG. 6 is a graph of an example torque curve 600 showing the torque of atubular joint connection over rotations (or turns, n), moreparticularly, for a first, conventional tubular goods connection versusa tubular goods connection with a roughened torque shoulder. Torque plot602 shows an example torque curve for an example conventional tubulargood connection (first connection), for example, that excludes aroughened torque shoulder. The torque plot 602 shows the example torquecurve of making up a pin and a box for an example conventional tubulargood connection. Torque plot 604 shows an example torque curve for anexample tubular good connection (second connection) that includes aroughened torque shoulder, for example, such as example tubular goodconnection 100, 100′, 100″, as described earlier. The torque plot 604shows the example torque curve of making up a pin and a box, e.g. pin202 of the second tubular member 200 and second box 302 of coupling boxconnector 300. The same example torque curve could be for making up thepin 402 of the first tubular member 400 and the first box 301 of thecoupling box connector 300.

The torque curve 600 shows the torque of the respective tubular goodconnection between an initial point of contact (where respective threadsof the connection begin to engage each other) and a final position ofthe connection (where the respective threads and respective torqueshoulders of the connection are fully engaged). As described in moredetail later, the torque plots 602 and 604 include a starting point, aninflection point (where corresponding torque shoulders begin to contacteach other), and a final, fully made-up point.

Point 602 a of torque plot 602 indicates the starting point for themake-up operation of the first tubular good connection. Point 602 b isreferred to as the “shouldering torque,” and indicates the instancewhere a torque shoulder of a box of the connection abuts (i.e., firstcontacts) a torque shoulder of a pin of the connection. Point 602 cindicates the first operative torque 606 of the first connection, whichrefers to a torque value provided by the first connection when fullymade-up (i.e., the end of the fastening operation between the pin andthe box of the first connection). The operative torque can be providedby a manufacturer of the connection,

Point 604 a of torque plot 604 indicates the starting point for themake-up operation of the second tubular good connection. Point 604 b isthe shouldering torque of the second connection, and indicates theinstance where the torque shoulder with a roughened shoulder surface ofa first tubular good joint of the second connection abuts (i.e., firstcontacts) a corresponding torque shoulder of a second tubular good jointof the second connection. Point 604 c indicates the second operativetorque 608 of the second connection, which refers to the torque valueprovided by the second connection when fully made-up (i.e., the end ofthe fastening operation between the first tubular good joint and thesecond tubular good joint of the second connection).

In the example torque curve 600 of FIG. 6 , the torque plots 602 and 604are representative of the first connection and the second connectionhaving the same size threading, same location of respective torqueshoulders, and other similarities, with the only primary differencebeing that the second connection (torque plot 604) includes a roughenedshoulder surface (e.g., surface roughness greater than or equal to 100microns), whereas the first connection has a conventional shouldersurface (e.g., surface roughness of about 20 microns).

The difference in the torque values at point 602 b and at point 602 c(torque at 602 b subtracted by torque at 602 c) is referred to as “deltatorque” for the first connection. Similarly, the difference in thetorque values at point 604 b and at point 604 c (torque at 604 bsubtracted by torque at 604 c) is referred to as delta torque for thesecond connection. The segment of torque plot 602 between points 602 aand 602 b represents the gradual increase in torque of the firstconnection as corresponding threads are engaging. In this segmentbetween 602 a and 602 b, the main resistance to the application oftorque is the radial interference exerted by radial surfaces in contactwith each other. Similarly, the segment of torque plot 604 betweenpoints 604 a and 604 b represents the gradual increase in torque of thesecond connection as corresponding threads are engaging. In this segmentbetween 604 a and 604 b, the main resistance to the application oftorque is the radial interference exerted by radial surfaces in contactwith each other. As shown in the example torque curve 600, the segmentbetween 602 a and 602 b and the segment between 604 a and 604 b are(substantially or exactly) the same.

Points 602 b and 604 b are inflection points in the respective torqueplots, where torque more steeply increases as the turns increase. Thesegment of torque plot 602 between points 602 b and 602 c shows thesharp increase in torque caused by the energization of the abutmentshoulders of the first connection. The torque value drasticallyincreases in a fraction of a turn compared to the preceding segmentbetween points 602 a and 602 b, for example, because axial interferenceis overcome, which consumes the corresponding torque energy that isstored as elastic energy in the first connection.

The segment of torque plot 604 between points 604 b and 604 c show asharp increase in torque caused by the energization of the abutmentshoulders of the second connection. This segment between 604 b and 604 cof torque plot 604 is steeper and reaches a higher operative torque 608than the segment between 602 b and 602 b of torque plot 602, forexample, because the surface roughness of the torque shoulder of thesecond connection provides an increased friction between the abuttedshoulder surfaces, thereby increasing the torque energy that is storedas elastic energy in the second connection. As a result, the operativetorque 608 of the second connection is greater than the operative torque606 of the first connection, and the delta torque of the secondconnection is larger than the delta torque of the first connection.

Generally, the delta torque can be a measure of the resistance of theconnection to break out or undergo undesired unfastening. The deltatorque of the second connection is larger than the delta torque of thefirst connection, so the second connection has a larger break-outtorque, and has increased resistance to undesired unfastening, than thefirst connection. The value of the operative torque 608 of the secondconnection can be increased (from the first operative torque 606)without the risk to reach the material plastic limit 610 of the material(e.g., steel or other metal) that makes up the tubular good joints ofthe second connection. The surface modification (i.e., surfaceroughening) of the torque shoulder generates enhanced tribologicalproperties of the contact surfaces of the torque shoulder, whichpromotes an advantageous redistribution of stresses and deformations inthe connection.

FIG. 7A is a flowchart describing an example method 700 for forming aconnection, such as the tubular goods connection 100 of FIGS. 1-3B,tubular goods connection 100′ of FIG. 4A, or tubular goods connection100″ of FIG. 4B. At 702, a first pin is provided, the first pinincluding an external male threaded zone having external male threadsdisposed on a portion of the first pin. At 704, a first box is provided,the first box including an internal female threaded zone having internalfemale threads disposed on a portion of the first box. The internalfemale threads are to engage with the external male threads of the firstpin, where one of the first pin and or the first box has a first torqueshoulder surface, and the other of the first pin or the first box has asecond torque shoulder surface. At 706, the second torque shouldersurface engages with the first torque shoulder surface to form a tubularconnection, where at least one of the first torque shoulder surface orthe second torque shoulder surface includes a surface roughness greaterthan or equal to 100 microns.

FIG. 7B is a flowchart describing an example method 720 for forming atubular connection, such as the tubular goods connection 100 of FIGS.1-3B, tubular goods connection 100′ of FIG. 4A, or tubular goodsconnection 100″ of FIG. 4B. At 722, a first pin with an external malethreaded zone having external male threads disposed on a portion of thefirst pin is provided, the first pin having a first torque shouldersurface positioned proximate to a first longitudinal end of the firstpin. At 724, a second pin with an external male threaded zone havingexternal male threads disposed on a portion of the second pin isprovided, the second pin having a second torque shoulder surfacepositioned proximate to a second longitudinal end of the second pin. Atleast one of the first torque shoulder surface or the second torqueshoulder surface includes a surface roughness greater than or equal to100 microns. At 726, a coupling box connector is provided, the couplingbox connector having a first box with an internal female threaded zonehaving internal female threads disposed on a portion of the first box,the internal female threads configured to engage with the external malethreads of the first pin, and having a second box with an internalfemale threaded zone having internal female threads disposed on aportion of the second box, where the internal female threads areconfigured to engage with the external male threads of the second pin.At 728, the external male threads of the first pin are engaged with theinternal female threads of the first box. At 730, the external malethreads of the second pin are engaged with the internal female threadsof the second box. At 732, the first torque shoulder surface is engagedwith the second torque shoulder surface.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart describing an example method 800 for forming atubing joint such as the tubular joints 200, 200′, 200″, 400, or forforming a coupling box connector 300′, 300″ of FIGS. 1-5B. At 802, a pinor box is provided, the pin or the box having a first torque shouldersurface. At 804, the first torque shoulder surface is modified to have asurface roughness greater than or equal to 100 microns.

The tubular connections 100, 100′, and 100″ described herein above underreference to FIGS. 1 to 4B are so-called “threaded and coupled”connections, wherein a pin at an end of a first tubular joint and a pinat and end of a second tubular joint are coupled via a coupling boxconnector having a box at both ends thereof. Alternatively, a tubularconnection in accordance with the present invention is a so-called“integral” connection, wherein an integral box at an end of a firsttubular joint is coupled to an integral pin at an end of a secondtubular joint. An example of a tubular connection in accordance with thepresent invention that is of the “integral” type, is described hereinbelow under reference to FIG. 9 .

Referring now to FIG. 9 , an example tubular goods connection 1100 isshown in a partial cross-sectional perspective view. The example tubulargoods connection 1100 includes a first (lower) tubular member 1300 withan integral box 1302, and a second (upper) tubular member 1200 with anintegral pin 1202.

FIG. 9 shows the example tubular goods connection 1100 as a wedge threadconnection; however, the type of tubular connection can be different.The thread profile can be a buttress profile such as in the exampleconnections 100, 100′ and 100″ described herein above. Furthermore, thethreaded connection can be other thread profiles that can be used incombination with a torque shoulder.

Examples of connections with a wedge thread profile in combination witha torque shoulder are illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication No.US2010/0181763 to Mallis et al., incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

The box 1302 of the first tubular member 1300 is configured to engagewith and seal to the pin 1202 of the second tubular member 1200 to formthe connection 1100. In the example connection 1100 of FIG. 9 , thefirst tubular member 1300 and second tubular member 1200 form a portionof a casing configured for implementation in a wellbore. However, thefirst tubular member 1300 and second tubular member 1200 can form aportion of another type of tubing. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional sideview of the first tubular member 1300 of FIG. 9 shown separately. FIG.10B is a cross-sectional side view of the second tubular member 1200 ofFIG. 9 shown separately.

As illustrated in FIG. 10A, the first tubular member 1300 includes aninternal wedge thread 1304 disposed along a portion of (e.g., aninternal wedge threaded zone of) the box 1302, and includes a firsttorque shoulder 1306 proximate to a proximal longitudinal end of the box1302. With respect to central axis A-A of FIG. 10A, the box 1302includes a distal longitudinal end at a (vertically) upper end of thebox 1302, and includes the proximal longitudinal end at a (vertically)lower end of the box 1302 opposite the distal end. The first torqueshoulder 1306 includes a shoulder surface 1315, or load bearing surface,that can engage (e.g., contact) a corresponding load bearing surface ofthe second tubular member 1200 when the first tubular member 1300 andthe second tubular member 1200 are made-up to form the exampleconnection 1100. The shoulder surface 1315 of the first torque shoulder1306 is also referred to as the first torque shoulder surface. The firsttorque shoulder 1306 forms a ring shape around the inner cylindricaldiameter of the box 1302. The ring shape of the first torque shoulder1306 can be continuous around an entire circumference of the ring shape.However, in some instances, the ring shape can be non-continuous, orsegmented. In some instances, the torque shoulder 1306 can have a flatsurface profile, a tapered conical surface profile, or a combination ofboth, with respect to a radial of the tubular member 1300.

As illustrated in FIG. 10B, the second tubular member 1200 includes anexternal wedge thread 1204 disposed along a portion of (e.g., anexternal wedge threaded zone of) the pin 1202, and a second torqueshoulder 1206 proximate to a distal longitudinal end of the pin 1202.With respect to central axis A-A of FIG. 10B, the pin 1202 includes thedistal longitudinal end at a (vertically) lower end of the pin 1202, andincludes a proximal longitudinal end at an upper end of the pin 1202opposite the distal end. The second torque shoulder 1206 includes ashoulder surface 1215, or load bearing surface, that can engage (e.g.,contact) the shoulder surface 1315 of the first torque shoulder 1306 ofthe first tubular member 1300 when the pin 1202 and box 1302 are fullyengaged. The shoulder surface 1215 of the second torque shoulder 1206 isalso referred to as the second torque shoulder surface. The secondtorque shoulder 1206 forms a ring shape around the cylindrical diameterof the pin 1202 at the distal end of the second tubular member 1200. Thering shape of the second torque shoulder 1206 can be continuous aroundan entire circumference of the ring shape. However, in some instances,the ring shape can be non-continuous, or segmented. In some instances,the torque shoulder 1206 can have a flat surface profile, a taperedconical surface profile, or a combination of both, with respect to aradial of the tubular member 1300.

As mentioned earlier, the torque shoulder 1206, torque shoulder 1306, orother torque shoulder of the connection 1100 can have a varying profileshape. FIGS. 9-10B show the torque shoulders 1206 and 1306 as having asubstantially flat surface profile that is (substantially or exactly)perpendicular to center longitudinal axis A-A. However, this surfaceprofile shape can vary. For example, the surface profile of any of thetorque shoulders of the connection 1100 can include a slanted surfaceprofile (i.e., that is angularly offset from a perpendicular of thelongitudinal axis A-A), a jagged surface profile, a tapered surfaceprofile with a rounded or pointed longitudinal end, a conical surfaceprofile, a chamfered surface profile, a combination of these surfaceprofiles, or another surface profile shape. In some examples, the torqueshoulder surface can have a surface profile that is a combinationtapered profile, such as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 9,752,710.

The shoulder surface 1315 of the first torque shoulder 1306, theshoulder surface 1215 of the second torque shoulder 1206, or both theshoulder surfaces 1315, 1215 of the first torque shoulder 1306 and thesecond torque shoulder 1206 can have a surface roughness greater than aminimum threshold roughness, such as 100 microns. The surface roughnessof one or more of the shoulder surfaces increases a sliding frictionalforce of surfaces abutting the one or more shoulder surfaces. Thesurface roughness can be attained in a variety of ways, such as byknurling, laser cutting, stamping, machining, blasting, a combination ofthese, or another surface roughening technique (mechanical or other), sothat the surface roughness of the respective shoulder surface is greaterthan or equal to 100 microns, such as between 100 microns and 500microns. For example, FIG. 11 is a partial top perspective view of theexample first tubular member 1300 with the box 1302 showing the shouldersurface 1315 of the first torque shoulder 1306. As shown in FIG. 11 ,the shoulder surface of the first torque shoulder 1306 includes knurling1308 in the form of slanted lines arranged continuously along anentirety of the shoulder surface. The example knurling 1308 of FIG. 11provides a surface roughness of the shoulder surface that is at least100 microns, for example, between 100 microns and 500 microns. WhileFIG. 11 shows the knurling as including a slanted-line pattern thatprovides a sequence of peaks and valleys that create the surfaceroughness, the knurling can take a variety of other forms. For example,the knurling can include a straight pattern, angular pattern, diamondpattern, bubble pattern, or other knurling pattern types with a varyingpitch and/or coarseness.

To form the example connection 1100, the integral pin 1202 is insertedinto the integral box 1302 to engage the corresponding threading and thecorresponding torque shoulders. When the integral pin 1202 of the secondtubular member 1200 is inserted into the integral box 1302 of the firsttubular member 1300 and the second tubular member 1200 is rotated, theexternal wedge thread 1204 and the internal wedge thread 304 threadinglyengage (e.g., corresponds to and mate) to form the tubular goodsconnection 1100. As the integral pin 1202 is rotated relative to theintegral box 1302 toward a maximum rotation for complete engagement, therespective torque shoulder surfaces approach and abut each other. Upon acomplete rotational installment of the pin 1202 with the box 1302, theshoulder surface 1315 of the first torque shoulder 1306 engages with(e.g., contacts, or abuts) the shoulder surface 1215 of the secondtorque shoulder 1206. When the tubular goods connection 1100 is made-up,the internal wedge thread 1304 engages the external wedge thread 1204via an interference fit of the mating wedge threads, and the firsttorque shoulder 1306 engages (i.e., contacts) the second torque shoulder1206 via an interference fit of the contacting shoulder surfaces 1315,1215. In some implementations, the internal wedge thread 1304 sealinglyengages the external wedge thread 1204, for example, along all or aportion of the internal and/or external threaded zones.

Wedge threads, regardless of a particular type, increase in width W1, W2in opposite directions on a pin member and a box member. In preferredembodiments, the threads have a dovetail wedge thread profilecharacterized by having a width of a tooth crest WTC wider than a widthof teeth WTR, so it can also be said that both flanks, stab and loadflanks, are negative. In some examples, the threads can take on otherprofiles and shapes.

Depending on the type of the wedge thread (interference type orclearance type), the wedging between flanks will be generated indifferent ways. The wedging effect generated on interference wedgethreads is due to specific axial interference fit between mating loadand stab flanks. Moreover, the wedging effect can also be achievedwithout this specific design interference (e.g. clearance wedge type)by, for example, thread drunkenness and/or radial interference, forexample by radial interference between crests and roots.

Regardless of the type of the wedge thread, e.g. clearance wedge, orinterference wedge, corresponding flanks come closer to each other(i.e., clearance decreases or interference increases) during make-up.Indeterminate make-up allows for the flank interference to be increasedby increasing the make-up torque on the connection. This increased makeup torque will produce some drawbacks because said increased make uptorque will generate a higher general stress state due to the higherflank to flank interference that will lead to high contact pressuresbetween sliding elements (during make-up), and also between assemblyelements (e.g., at the end of make-up).

Depending on the type of the wedge thread, the wedging between flankswill be generated in different ways. The wedging effect generated oninterference wedge threads is due to specific interference fit betweenat least part of mating load and stab flanks of at least part of thethreaded portion.

An example making up of the connection 1100 is as follows. Internalthread of box 1302 has stab flanks, load flanks, roots, and crests. Thethread increases in width progressively at a uniform rate in onedirection substantially the entire helical length of thread. Externalthread of pin 1202 has stab flanks, load flanks, roots, and crests. Thethread increases in width progressively at a uniform rate in the otherdirection substantially the entire helical length of thread. Theoppositely increasing thread widths and the taper of threads, cause thecomplementary roots and crests of the respective threads to move intoengagement during make-up of the connection 1100. Root and crestengagement is followed by the moving of complementary stab and loadflanks into engagement upon make-up of the connection. The moving ofcomplementary flanks, roots and crests into engagement forms sealingsurfaces that resist the flow of fluids between the threads. The torqueshoulder surfaces of the torque shoulders 1206 and 1306 move intoengagement upon make-up of the connection. The torque shoulderengagement may occur simultaneously with the stab and load flanks movinginto engagement. Alternatively, the stab and load flanks may move intoengagement after root and crest engagement during make-up of theconnection and followed by the torque shoulder surface engagement uponmake-up of the connection. As an alternative, upon initial make-up thetorque shoulder surfaces are at an axial distance from each other. Thetorque shoulder surfaces may then during use, i.e. in the well, engagein case torque applied to the connection exceeds the torque resistanceof the wedge thread. The torque shoulder surfaces thus serve as a backupfor over-torque conditions during use.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show a further variant of the example tubularconnections of FIGS. 1 to 11 . The example tubular connection 500 ofFIGS. 12A and 12B is a threaded and coupled type connection similar tothe example tubular connections 100, 100′ and 100″ shown in anddescribed under reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 , however the coupling boxconnector 502 of tubular connection 500 does not have a radially inwardflange between the first box 504 a and the second box 504 b.Furthermore, the thread profile of the tubular connection 500 is a wedgeprofile like the thread profile of example connection 1100 of FIGS. 9 to11 .

FIG. 12A is a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example tubulargood connection 500 with an example coupling box connector 502. FIG. 12Bis an enlarged schematic cross-sectional side view of the examplemade-up tubular good connection 500 of FIG. 12A. The first box 504 a ofthe coupling box connector 502 is configured to engage with and seal tothe first pin 512 of the first tubular member 510, and the second box504 b of the coupling box connector 502 is configured to engage with andseal to the second pin 1522 of the second tubular member 520 to form theexample connection 500. The coupling box connector 502 includes a firstinternal wedge thread 506 a disposed along a portion of (e.g., a firstinternal wedge threaded zone of) the first box 504 a, and includes asecond internal wedge thread 506 b disposed along a portion of (e.g., asecond internal wedge threaded zone of) the second box 504 b.

The first tubular member 510 includes a first external thread 514disposed along a portion of (e.g., a first external wedge threaded zoneof) the first pin 512, and a first torque shoulder 516 proximate to adistal longitudinal end of the first pin 512. With respect to centralaxis A-A of FIG. 12A, the first pin 512 includes the distal longitudinalend at a terminal end of the pin 512, and includes a proximallongitudinal end at an opposite longitudinal end of the pin 512 oppositethe distal end. The first torque shoulder 516 includes a shouldersurface 515, or load bearing surface, that can engage (e.g., contact) ashoulder surface of the second tubular member 520. The shoulder surface515 of the first torque shoulder 516 is also referred to as the firsttorque shoulder surface. The first torque shoulder 516 forms a ringshape around the cylindrical diameter of the pin 512 at the distal endof the first tubular member 510. The ring shape of the first torqueshoulder 516 can be continuous around an entire circumference of thering shape. However, in some instances, the ring shape can benon-continuous, or segmented. As described earlier, the surface profileof the torque shoulder 516 can vary. For example, the torque shoulder516 can have a flat surface profile, a tapered conical surface profile,or a combination of both, with respect to a radial of the tubular member510.

The second tubular member 520 includes a second external wedge thread524 disposed along a portion of (e.g., a second external wedge threadedzone of) the second pin 522, and a second torque shoulder 526 proximateto a distal longitudinal end of the fourth pin 522. With respect tocentral axis A-A of FIG. 12A, the second pin 522 includes the distallongitudinal end at a terminal end of the pin 522, and includes aproximal longitudinal end at an opposite longitudinal end of the pin 522opposite the distal end. The second torque shoulder 526 includes ashoulder surface 535, or load bearing surface, that can engage (e.g.,contact) the shoulder surface 515 of the first torque shoulder 516 ofthe first tubular member 510. The shoulder surface 535 of the secondtorque shoulder 526 is also referred to as the second torque shouldersurface. The second torque shoulder 526 forms a ring shape around thecylindrical diameter of the second pin 522 at the distal end of thesecond tubular member 520. The ring shape of the second torque shoulder526 can be continuous around an entire circumference of the ring shape.However, in some instances, the ring shape can be non-continuous, orsegmented. As described earlier, the surface profile of the torqueshoulder 526 can vary. For example, the torque shoulder 526 can have aflat surface profile, a tapered conical surface profile, or acombination of both, with respect to a radial of the tubular member 520.

The shoulder surface 515 of the first torque shoulder 516, the shouldersurface 535 of the second torque shoulder 526, or both the shouldersurfaces 515, 535 of the first torque shoulder 516 and the second torqueshoulder 526 can have a surface roughness greater than the minimumthreshold roughness, described earlier.

To form the example connection 500, the first pin 512 is inserted intothe first box 504 a to engage the corresponding threading, and thesecond pin 522 is inserted into the second box 504 b to engage thecorresponding threading, and the first torque shoulder 516 and thesecond torque shoulder 526 engage (i.e., contact) each other. As thepins 512 and 522 are rotated relative to the coupling box connector 502toward a complete engagement, the respective torque shoulder surfaces ofthe pins 512 and 522 approach each other. Upon a complete rotationalinstallment of the first pin 512 with the first box 504 a and the secondpin 522 with the second box 504 b, the shoulder surface 515 of the firsttorque shoulder 516 engages with (e.g., contacts) the shoulder surface535 of the second torque shoulder 526. FIG. 12B shows this contactingengagement. The coupling of the first tubular member 510 and the secondtubular member 520 with the coupling box connector 502 can be referredto in the art as making-up the tubular goods connection 500. When theexample tubular goods connection 500 is made-up, the first internalwedge thread 506 a engages the first external wedge thread 514 via aninterference fit of the mating wedge threads, the second internal wedgethread 506 b engages the second external wedge thread 524 via aninterference fit of the mating wedge threads, and the first torqueshoulder 516 engages (i.e., contacts) the second torque shoulder 526 viaan interference fit of the contacting shoulder surfaces 515, 535.

Similar to the example connections 100, 100′, and 100″, in someimplementations, the coupling box connector 502 can include apositive-stop torque shoulder that engages one or both of the shouldersurfaces of the first tubular member 510 and/or second tubular member520. For example, the coupling box connector 502 can include a radiallyinward flange between the first box 504 a and the second box 504 b thatcan abut and engage the shoulder surfaces 515, 535 of the first torqueshoulder 516 and the second torque shoulder 526 (instead of the firsttorque shoulder 516 directly abutting and engaging the second torqueshoulder 526).

In FIGS. 12A and 12B the example connection 500 is shown in made-upstate. As an alternative, upon initial make-up, the torque shouldersurfaces are at an axial distance from each other. The torque shouldersurfaces may then during use, i.e. in the well, engage in case torqueapplied to the connection exceeds the torque resistance of the wedgethread. The torque shoulder surfaces thus serve as a backup forover-torque conditions during use. Examples of connections with wedgethreads wherein upon make-up torque shoulder surfaces are at an axialdistance from each other are illustrated in U.S. Patent Publication No.US2017/0314596 to Harvey et al., incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show the example connection 500 as a wedge threadconnection; however, the type of tubular connection can be different.The thread profile can be a buttress profile such as in the exampleconnections 100, 100′ and 100″ described herein above. Furthermore, thethread profile of the connection can be other thread profiles that canbe used in combination with a torque shoulder.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it willbe understood that various modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In particular, the threadprofile of the connection can be other thread profiles that can be usedin combination with a torque shoulder. Furthermore, the torque shouldersurfaces can be at another location than at a longitudinal end of a pinor a box. The torque shoulder surfaces can be located at a locationbetween the longitudinal ends of a pin or a box, for instance at alocation between two axially separated threaded zones of a pin or a box.Examples of connections with torque shoulder surfaces between twoaxially separated threaded zones of a pin or a box are illustrated inU.S. Patent Publication No. US2010/0181763 to Mallis et al.,incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

1. A tubular connection comprising: a first pin with an external malethreaded zone having external male threads disposed on a portion of thepin; and a first box with an internal female threaded zone havinginternal female threads disposed on a portion of the first box, theinternal female threads configured to engage with the external malethreads of the first pin; wherein at least one of the first pin or thefirst box comprises a first torque shoulder surface comprising a surfaceroughness greater than or equal to 100 microns.
 2. The tubularconnection of claim 1, wherein the first torque shoulder surfacecomprises a knurled surface profile.
 3. The tubular connection of claim2, wherein the knurled surface profile is continuous along the firsttorque shoulder surface.
 4. The tubular connection of claim 1, whereinthe first torque shoulder surface comprises a laser cut, stamped,machined, or blasted surface profile.
 5. The tubular connection of claim1, wherein one of the first pin or the first box comprises the firsttorque shoulder surface, and the other of the first pin or the first boxcomprises a second torque shoulder surface, the second torque shouldersurface configured to engage the first torque shoulder surface.
 6. Thetubular connection of claim 5, wherein the second torque shouldersurface comprises a surface roughness greater than or equal to 100microns.
 7. The tubular connection of claim 5, wherein the second torqueshoulder surface comprises a knurled surface profile.
 8. The tubularconnection of claim 7, wherein the knurled surface profile is continuousalong the second torque shoulder surface.
 9. The tubular connection ofclaim 5, wherein the second torque shoulder surface comprises a lasercut, stamped, machined, or blasted surface profile.
 10. The tubularconnection of claim 5, wherein the first torque shoulder surface and thesecond torque shoulder surface are at a respective one of a firstlongitudinal end of the first pin or a second longitudinal end of thefirst box.
 11. The tubular connection of claim 10, wherein the firstlongitudinal end of the first pin is a distal longitudinal end of thefirst pin, and the second longitudinal end of the first box is aproximal longitudinal end of the first box.
 12. The tubular connectionof claim 10, wherein the first pin comprises a third torque shouldersurface proximate to a third longitudinal end of the first pin oppositethe first longitudinal end, the first box comprises a fourth torqueshoulder surface proximate to a fourth longitudinal end of the first boxopposite the second longitudinal end, and at least one of the thirdtorque shoulder surface or the fourth torque shoulder surface comprisesa surface roughness greater than or equal to 100 microns, the fourthtorque shoulder surface configured to engage the third torque shouldersurface.
 13. The tubular connection of claim 12, wherein the at leastone of the third torque shoulder surface or the fourth torque shouldersurface comprises a knurled surface profile.
 14. The tubular connectionof claim 13, wherein the knurled surface profile is continuous along theat least one of the third torque shoulder surface or the fourth torqueshoulder surface.
 15. The tubular connection of claim 1, furthercomprising: a second pin with a second external male threaded zonehaving second external male threads disposed on a portion of the secondpin; and a coupling box connector comprising the first box and a secondbox, the second box having an internal female threaded zone havinginternal female threads disposed on a portion of the second box, theinternal female threads configured to engage with the external malethreads of the second pin; wherein the first pin has the first torqueshoulder surface; and the second pin has a second torque shouldersurface, where the second torque shoulder surface is configured toengage the first torque shoulder surface of the first pin.
 16. Thetubular connection of claim 15, wherein the second torque shouldersurface comprises a surface roughness greater than or equal to 100microns.
 17. The tubular connection of claim 15, wherein the secondtorque shoulder surface comprises a knurled surface profile.
 18. Thetubular connection of claim 17, wherein the knurled surface profile iscontinuous along the second torque shoulder surface.
 19. (canceled) 20.(canceled)
 21. A method for forming a tubular connection, the methodcomprising: providing a first pin with an external male threaded zonehaving external male threads disposed on a portion of the first pin;providing a first box with an internal female threaded zone havinginternal female threads disposed on a portion of the first box, theinternal female threads configured to engage with the external malethreads of the first pin; wherein one of the first pin or the first boxhas a first torque shoulder surface; and the other of the first pin orthe first box has a second torque shoulder surface; and engaging, withthe first torque shoulder surface, the second torque shoulder surface toform a tubular connection, at least one of the first torque shouldersurface or the second torque shoulder surface comprising a surfaceroughness greater than or equal to 100 microns.
 22. A method for forminga tubular connection, the method comprising: providing a first pin withan external male threaded zone having external male threads disposed ona portion of the first pin, the first pin having a first torque shouldersurface positioned proximate to a first longitudinal end of the firstpin; providing a second pin with an external male threaded zone havingexternal male threads disposed on a portion of the second pin, thesecond pin having a second torque shoulder surface positioned proximateto a second longitudinal end of the second pin; wherein at least one ofthe first torque shoulder surface or the second torque shoulder surfacecomprises a surface roughness greater than or equal to 100 microns;providing a coupling box connector having a first box with an internalfemale threaded zone having internal female threads disposed on aportion of the first box, the internal female threads configured toengage with the external male threads of the first pin, and having asecond box with an internal female threaded zone having internal femalethreads disposed on a portion of the second box, the internal femalethreads configured to engage with the external male threads of thesecond pin; engaging the external male threads of the first pin with theinternal female threads of the first box; engaging the external malethreads of the second pin with the internal female threads of the secondbox; and engaging the first torque shoulder surface with the secondtorque shoulder surface.
 23. (canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)26. (canceled)
 27. (canceled)
 28. (canceled)
 29. (canceled) 30.(canceled)
 31. (canceled)
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 33. (canceled)
 34. (canceled)35. (canceled)
 36. (canceled)
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 38. (canceled) 39.(canceled)
 40. (canceled)